Week 5 Pregnancy Nutrient: Potassium

This macro mineral is easy to get through food and is vital for both you and baby when you're pregnant. Here's what you need to know.

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What it is: This mineral that’s found in many delicious food sources is one of seven essential macro minerals, along with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride and sulfur. It’s tasked with maintaining proper organ function.

Why you need it: Potassium works with sodium to maintain proper fluid balance in cells, which is ever-important during pregnancy. Now that your body is working for two, your fluid levels need to increase significantly. Potassium also regulates blood pressure, which can help prevent preeclampsia, and is known to help your body maintain proper muscle tone (meaning fewer aches, pains and cramping for Mommy-to-be!).

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. Health information on this site is based on peer-reviewed medical journals and highly respected health organizations and institutions including ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), as well as the What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.

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